More than 50 Holocaust survivors from the Five Towns and other parts of Nassau County gathered at the Five Towns Premier Rehabilitation and Nursing Center in Woodmere on Oct. 29 for a “coffeehouse” get-together.
The gathering was arranged through the Selfhelp Community Services’ Nassau Holocaust Survivor Program, which “provides comprehensive services allowing the last generation of Holocaust survivors to age with the comfort and dignity they deserve,” according to its website, SelfHelp.net.
“Aging Holocaust survivors face unique challenges receiving care, especially as their needs grow in complexity as they age,” the website added. “Selfhelp is here to serve as the last surviving relative for every survivor.”
Services include enhanced case management, home care, financial assistance, social programs and more.
In addition to the 50 survivors, 30 spouses and aids also attended for an afternoon that celebrated the Jewish High Holy Days and the release of the 20 living hostages in Gaza. They gathered to build a connection with fellow survivors and enjoy a hot meal together.
“Selfhelp’s ‘coffeehouse’ events provide a warm and welcoming space for Holocaust survivors to combat social isolation, share a meal and music and celebrate life together,” Julie Lauer, program director for the Nassau and Queens Holocaust Survivor programs, said.
Lauer, who has been with Selfhelp for two and a half years, oversees programs for 200 survivors in Nassau and 400 in Queens. Selfhelp hosts eight to ten events a year.
“This is my favorite part of my month, when we have an event,” Lauer said. “The survivors are really inspirational, and to see them talk about what happened since the war, and to dance and sing, is beautiful.”
While they enjoyed a three-course meal, survivors and their families were serenaded with classic Jewish celebration songs, as well as Broadway and pop music.
“I need to shout-out the Claims Conference and the UJA Federation and to all of the local support,” Lauer said. “Any of the politicians that are involved and help out is really special to let the survivors know their story is being heard. I want them to know there is a voice out there.”
Founded in 1951, the Conference on Jewish Material Claims Against Germany, a nonprofit organization that secures material compensation for Holocaust survivors around the world.
One survivor, Cedarhurst resident Betty Weintrob, 87, attended the event to meet her fellow survivor friends from the local Marion & Aaron Gural JCC.
“We are happy to be here,” Weintrob said. “To see them and reminisce about our past and what we went through is special.”
Weintrob was 3 years old when World War II broke out, and was able to survive, thanks to her mother, who ran from one hiding place to another.
Born in Poland, Weintrob moved to Israel after the war and attended school there before arriving in the United States at age 19.
“I’m very happy to meet with them and to share stories,” Weintrob said. “Survivors should get involved and come take part in the meetings and to meet other survivors.”
Rep. Laura Gillen attended the event and began the afternoon by leading the Pledge of Allegiance before interacting with each of the survivors.
“It is my honor and privilege to be with you all here today,” Gillen said. “Your stories are so important for all of us to know and remember. You are the embodiment of the power of the human spirit and the will to survive.”
Gillen added that the survivors provide hope for the next generation during a time of rising antisemitism across the country.
“We must push back and never forget,” she added. “I thank Selfhelp for preserving your stories, because those are the stories we need to continue to share. We need to make sure that the next generation does not forget these stories.”
Gillen is co-sponsor of the “Heal Act,” which ensures that Holocaust education is taught in schools statewide, so that students remember the horrific time in history.
“I was so excited because I’ve never had the opportunity to talk with so many Holocaust survivors,” Gillen said. “I was surprised there was so many in our county, and I was looking forward to thanking them for sharing their stories and inspiration for the next generation.”
She said that now more than ever, it’s important to remember the stories of the Holocaust and inform the younger generations who may not have the opportunity to hear a survivor speak.
“This is a lesson going forward so that we don’t repeat that with any group,” she added. “We can heal anything with love, patience and tolerance, and that’s what we need more of right now in our country and world.”
